how many calories are in chicken soup

How Many Calories Are in Chicken Soup? A Look at a Healthy Comfort FoodChicken soup is a beloved comfort food around the world. This hearty, comforting dish makes you think of being lovingly cared for when you’re sick. But is chicken soup just comforting? Is it also good for you?

In particular, how many calories are in chicken soup? The answer depends on the types of ingredients used and how the soup is made. You can eat chicken soup as part of a healthy diet if you know how many calories it has.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the typical calorie content of chicken soup and how it varies. You’ll also learn about the impressive nutritional benefits beyond just calories. Let’s dive in to uncover everything you need to know about the calorie count and health perks of this classic soup.

Calories in Chicken Soup – The Basics
At its core, chicken soup contains chicken, vegetables, and broth. Standard preparations also include aromatic ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs. The calorie count comes from three main sources:

• Based on the cut, chicken has a lot of protein and some fat. A cup of chicken breast has 231 calories.

• Vegetables – Contribute carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins Around 50 calories per cup

• Broth – Usually negligible calories at approximately 15 per cup. Can be higher with added fats.

Given these basic components, one cup of homemade chicken soup made with chicken breast contains roughly 300 calories. However, substitutions and additions can alter the totals substantially.

Factors that Impact Chicken Soup Calories
Many elements influence the calorie content of your chicken soup. Here are some of the major factors:

• Which cut of chicken to buy? White meat chicken breast is leaner than thighs. Skin-on chicken packs extra fat and calories.

• Vegetable choices – Starchy veggies like corn or potatoes increase calories versus lower calorie greens.

• Added ingredients – Noodles, rice, cream, oils all add extra calories. Broth choices also range in calories.

• Serving size – Larger portion sizes mean more calories. One bowl may contain 2-3 cups.

• Preparation method – Frying chicken skin-on in oil adds calories versus poaching or baking.

With the right adjustments, you can make low-cal chicken soup or higher calorie rustic versions. Just focus on your goals when selecting ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Calories
Homemade chicken soup packs an impressive lineup of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Benefits include:

• High protein – Repairs muscles, leaves you feeling full. Around 15-20g per cup.

• Immune boosting – Zinc from chicken. Vitamin C from veggies. Fights colds.

• Hydration – Broth provides fluids, electrolytes, and warmth. Fights congestion.

• Gut health – Gelatin and collagen from bone broth boost digestion.

• Heart health – Potassium regulates blood pressure. Fiber clears arteries.

As you can see, chicken soup offers so much more than just calories. It delivers a dose of powerful nutrition in an appetizing package.

Tips for Chicken Soup Meal Prep
Chicken soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Follow these tips:

• Allow soup to cool before freezing in airtight containers. Leave headspace.

• Freeze for 2-3 months maximum for best quality.

• Thaw in fridge before reheating. Add broth if too thick.

• Bring to a simmer on stove or reheat gently in microwave.

Proper storage retains the flavor and nutrients of your homemade soup for quick weeknight meals.

Satisfy Your Cravings the Healthy Way
Chicken soup can be an everyday comfort food when made mindfully. Play with ingredient substitutions to create lower or higher calorie versions. Just one cup contains around 300 calories while packing a nutritious punch.

Beyond counting calories, focus on savoring the nostalgic taste and aromas of simmering chicken soup. Each spoonful delivers a dose of tender protein, vegetables, and warmth that evokes memories of love and caring.